By Thane Grauel

WESTPORT — The parking lot was packed Tuesday night outside Rizzuto’s Oyster Bar and Restaurant, a sign perhaps the Republicans gathering inside thought they’d be hearing good news.

The lounge area of the bar was just as packed with people. It could take 10 minutes to cross the room. The aroma of chicken wings and wood-fired pizza hung in the air.

At 8:40 p.m., 40 minutes after the polls closed across Connecticut, Jennifer Tooker, the Republican candidate for first selectperson, arrived. She was surrounded by well-wishers, and many people gave her hugs.

Among them was First Selectman James Marpe, who gave her a tearful embrace.

About an hour later, a rumor went round that Democrat candidate Jonathan Steinberg had arrived to concede. It wasn’t true.

Shortly before 10, there were murmurs about differences between vote counts, according to the number crunchers who spent much of the night in front of computer screens huddled together.

They strategized on how to move forward.

The Republican Board of Selectmen team, which included Tooker and running mate Andrea Moore, were ahead, apparently, but the Democrats were just behind by a narrower margin.

A little after 10 p.m., former Second Selectman Avi Kaney picked up a microphone to give the crowd an update.

“We’re ahead by 188 votes,” he said, to cheers.

“Our opponents are not very good at counting, and they are not yet conceding,” he said, to a few laughs. “They want to wait until 10:30 when the registrar of voters does an official tally.”

A little after 10:30, Republican Town Committee Chair Joseph Sledge spoke.

“Your attention please,” he said, as people shooshed each other, and someone yelled, “Go ahead Joe, make it official!”

“It’s a big one,” Sledge continued. “It’s a big announcement. I give you the next first selectman …”

The crowd erupted, and there was a fresh round of celebratory hugs for Tooker and Moore.

The candidates then spoke, thanking their families, campaign volunteers, supporters and others, with others sharing congratulations and thanks as well.

“Andrea and I will lead with compassion, integrity and professionalism,” Tooker told the crowd. “We understand that listening is one of the most important skillsets in a leader.”

“We know our job is to manage the town government that works for you,” she said, “in an effective and efficient manner, but most importantly has your best interests and your priorities at heart.”

“Together,” she said, “we will ensure Westport remains the best to live, work and play in the region, and filled with the most amazing residents and business owners.”

“We have never been more hopeful.”